Author: Lee Polevoi | May 10, 2024

Homeowners and roofing contractors alike will agree that weather conditions in Detroit are challenging. Residents in the Michigan city and in surrounding areas often have to contend with high-velocity winds, considerable annual rainfall, and winters that combine high winds with ice and hail. And, of course, the area has humid (and occasionally sweltering) summers.

Recognizing the inherent challenges of Detroit roofing under these ever-changing conditions, the most appropriate question for roofing contractors might be: What are the best materials for a Detroit residential roofing project?

The answer depends on the type of structure, roofing materials, and homeowner preferences in terms of roof longevity and cost.

Experienced roofing contractors understand these challenges, as well as the importance of communicating the pros and cons of differing materials to their customers. After all, the success of a roofing project depends on the materials selected, as well as a customer's willingness to make an informed choice about the material's potential advantages and shortcomings.

Here is a breakdown of what materials to employ for Detroit roofing projects.

Asphalt

Many roofing contractors in the Detroit area contend that asphalt shingles offer the highest level of sturdiness and dependability for prevailing weather conditions. Manufactured from fiberglass matting overlaid with a mineral granule covering, asphalt shingles maintain a protective shield against whatever a harsh climate can throw at them.

Additionally, asphalt shingles provide an insulating component for keeping indoor temperatures at a comfortable level, with the potential for lessened heating and/or cooling expenses.

Asphalt shingles (available in a range of colors) are generally simpler than other materials when it comes to installation and repair.

Metal

If a resident's choice of roofing materials tends more toward durability and longevity, a metal sheet fabricated roof could be the best solution. Metal roofing materials such as aluminum, copper and galvanized steel may cost more than asphalt, but they can endure an adverse climate better than other materials. This capacity for durable use can extend the life span of a metal roof for more than 40 or 50 years.

Metal serves as an energy-efficient insulator, a popular feature among area residents. The buildup of snow — which often falls quickly and heavily in Michigan during the winter — presents little difficulty, as a metal roof allows snow to melt and slide off the roof easily. This reduces the risks of damage associated with ice dams and other negative weather conditions.

However, it's important to keep in mind that metal roofs don't muffle the noise of hail and rainstorms, fairly common weather features in the Detroit area.

Slate

Slate roofing materials may appeal to residents who value the cosmetic look of their roofs. Some customers may also be willing to pay more for the attractive curbside appeal of a slate roof.

Slate is also a favorite choice for environmentally concerned homeowners. Slate roofing materials are recyclable and can decrease the amount of roofing waste in landfills since they don't need to be replaced as often as other materials.

However, roofing contractors should be diligent in pointing out to prospective slate-roof customers that, in addition to preliminary installation costs, slate roofs are expensive to maintain. That's because each tile is different, so repairing or replacing damaged tiles can make a sizable dent in a homeowner's roof repair budget.

Wood (Cedar Shake)

Owners of historic properties in the Detroit area often find that wood and cedar shingles are their preferred roofing material choice. These shingles can endure for many decades (some say more than 100 years!), due to their imperviousness to high winds and potentially destructive thunderstorms.

As with most roofing materials, cedar shake shingles inevitably experience damage incurred by weather and the passage of time, and like slate roofs, repairs to this type of roofing material can be costly.

Homeowners in and around the Detroit area naturally want to use the best materials when installing a new roof on their family home. For roofing contractors, this translates into matching what works best for a given home with the weather conditions in that neighborhood. Materials that are able to withstand rainstorms, hail, blizzards and summer storms are a high priority for contractors consulting with residents about what offers the greatest protection.